Monday, August 28, 2017

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day: Honoring My "Baby Bobo"

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: This post first appeared last year, I was going to write a new post and include a give-away, but yesterday I had an AWFUL kidney stone attack. (Thank God for meds! Because of pain meds I didn't have to go to the hospital.) Please be sure to stop by this WEDNESDAY for a special Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day Give-Away from Memorial Glass Pendants.





ABOUT RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY:

"Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day was founded in 2015 by Deborah Barnes, award-winning author and blogger of Zee & Zoey's Cat Chronicles in tribute to her Ragdoll cat, Mr. Jazz, who she had to say goodbye to on August 28, 2013. She shared the journey of letting him go in her critically acclaimed book, Purr Prints of the Heart – A Cat’s Tale of Life, Death, and Beyond and decided to create the day in his honor as a way for others across the world to share memories of their own pets they had loved and lost." 

 To share your post, poem, video, special photo or special memory on Facebook, click here.


My "Baby Bobo"





In order to not make this post overly "photo heavy" I have created three collages to honor my beloved Bobo whom I was blessed to share my life with from December 1989 until July 2, 2007.

Bobo was found as a stray in sub-zero temperatures when he was approximately six months old. He spent every day of his life showing me his gratitude for having rescued him, and more unconditional love and devotion than I ever thought could exist. His life cannot accurately be portrayed in a mere three collages, but that is all I can do for now. Many of the photos I am sharing with you today,  you have not seen, (I apologize for their poor quality, but they were taken before the days of cell phones and blogging), and I will offer some explanation of the photos. Please join me in remembering my beloved Bobo with all of my love and with a heart that still breaks and grieves when I gaze upon his photos and share these memories.

In this collage you will see in the top left some of Bobo's favorite toys that I cannot bring myself to part with, nor do I ever allow Cody to play with them. The photo on the top left shows them in the bag in which they are stored, in the bottom photo you see his "kitty" that he slept with every day, his stuffed woofie, a mouse, two balls and his catnip pillow with a picture of a kitty that looked so much like him.

In the photo on the top right, are his last bowls that are kept in a trunk for safe-keeping. I have never let Cody use them. They were Bobo's and as much as I love Cody, I never could bring myself to allow him to use these bowls.
This collage is rather eerie when you hear a story that accompanies it. First, why in the world I bought my mancat a PINK carrier is beyond me! For the life of me I have no idea why I did that!

The bottom left photo shows my maiden name with Bobo's name on top of the carrier, all ready for for trips to the vet. The photo on the right is my Bobo sitting on TOP of his carrier which he used to do ALL of the time!

The photo on the top left is a photo of the  carrier as it looks today.  I keep it in the closet of my office, everything in it is exactly as it was since the day he crossed the bridge.I haven't changed or touched a thing. I sometimes think I should dispose of it, but I can't. It will be with me always.

What is eerie is one day I couldn't find Cody. I searched everywhere, and when I finally found him I found him IN the closet, IN Bobo's carrier. He had opened the door, crept in, and it has now become  one of his favorite sleeping spots. He does this nearly EVERY DAY.  I like to think that on some level he and Bobo are communicating, and I am convinced that they are. How and why Cody ever discovered this in the closet, I have no idea. For some reason it brings Cody happiness and comfort to sleep there, and it makes me happy that he does it.

I leave you with a photo of Bobo on the top left in his eating area when we moved to Michigan in 2001. 


The other photos show him on the couch that was Lenny's before we were married. There is a photo on the top right of Lenny and Bobo. Lenny didn't meet Bobo until he was 12 years old and had already slowed down considerably, but they were blessed to have six years together. Sadly, that is the same couch that the Vet helped him cross the Bridge on and we no longer have it. I just couldn't keep it, it caused me enormous pain every time I looked at it.
Painting of Bobo by Becart


I used to think Bobo's markings were so unique until I saw a number of cats in the blogosphere who looked so much like him it was uncanny! I adored his perfect four white paws and his "bib", he was such a handsome boy.

He wasn't a people cat as Cody is, I often wondered what Bobo experienced in the months before he found me. He didn't like strangers, he was a much more fearful cat than Cody (who is fearless), but he had a sensitivity and a remarkable way of being attuned to every nuance of my being that was something that isn't experienced often in ones' lifetime. When I hurt, he hurt, and vice versa.

The Rainbow Bridge poem was given to me by a friend when Bobo passed. I keep it in a frame in my office, where it still brings me comfort.

I didn't intend for this post to be quite this long, and I thank you for taking the time to read it. I also would like to thank Deb Barnes for creating this wonderful event.

I send my love to each and every one of you, and look forward to reading your stories and seeing your photos of those "who came before." May we all derive some comfort from these posts. 






63 comments:

  1. That is interesting that Cody has discovered Bobo's carrier, and uses it so often... <3

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    1. It totally flipped me out when he first did it, but now it is virtually a nearly every day event. I wonder what they are discussing lol. Cody is probably angry that Bobo told him he used to be able to "free feed" which is something Cody is NOT allowed to do because he is a glutton lol

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  2. I have heard that if cats are exposed to humans at a very young age they become more friendly towards them but not always. Our Puck was a bottle fed kitten and he is still very nervous around strangers.

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    1. See? You never know. Cody WAS exposed to humans at a super young age and he is beyond friendly lol. Not sure about Bobo. But look, your Puck WAS and he doesn't love strangers. I guess it is just individual personalities.

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  3. What wonderful memories you have of your Bobo.

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    1. OMG!! It is sooo good to see you! We miss you sooooooooooooooo much!!! we wish you were blogging again! Thank you so much for stopping by, we LOVE YOU and pray everyone is doing well! xoxo

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  4. We love that you keep Bobo's memory alive! And we're so sorry for your kidney stone attack, it sounds very painful. :(

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    1. Thank you so much! Yes, haven't had an attack like that one in YEARS! Thank you!!

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  5. Thank you for sharing Bobo's story. I love the carrier aspect and how he and Cody are somehow connected. I'm so sorry about your kidney stone - my thoughts will be with you. xoxox from Deb and Purr Prints of the Heart.

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    1. Thank YOU Deb for creating this special event that we all look forward too. It means so much to so many of us. We love you! Thanks about the stone....hadn't had an attack like that one in YEARS!! xoxo

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  6. Oh Caren so sorry about the kidney stone attack and I hope you are feeling better today...I love your post about sweet Bobo and like you, I have many special "Sammy things" that will not be part of Teddy's host of things - they just need to STAY Sammy's. Thanks for sharing your memories and photos - all of us feel a bit of heaviness in our hearts today. Sending you hugs and love.....

    Pam and Teddy too

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    1. Pam THANK YOU so much!! OMG it was BAD. I NEVER, EVER take my prescription pain meds, (I always end up throwing them out when they have expired, unused)........yesterday I seriously thought I was going to have to go to the hospital, but thankfully, the pain meds prevented that. Going to go for xrays tomorrow. I was supposed to go after my last litho in July, but I didn't.........that is my punishment. Thanks so much for asking about me. Thank you about the post, I sooooo KNOW that you understand. I love that you have treasured items of Sammy's too that Teddy won't have. You are so much like me. Sending you MUCH LOVE BACK!! xoxo

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  7. We remember all the lost fur siblings whether we knew them or not. Every pet is special.

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  8. What a beautiful kitty. Hugs.
    Sue B

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  9. A bittersweet remembrance, Caren. You were blessed to have each other; if only the time with our four-legged companions could be longer. Hugs.

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  10. I remember reading this tribute to Bobo last year and crying and now someone is cutting onions again! I can understand that you will want to keep his things. So sweet that Cody found a comfort space, they probably are communicating. 😻

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  11. The only way we can show our love and gratitude is to remember and share. I feel your pain. Just yesterday I was thinking that I need to update the sidebar on my blog. It says "Our Cats at Home" and shows Tommie and Mickey Mouser. It was Spring two years ago when Tommie left, and I haven't taken the little picture down yet.
    Love and sympathy to everyone.

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    1. (((hugs))) I don't think you have to take down Tommie's photo, only if you TRULY WANT to. xoxoxo

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  12. Bobo was a handsome boy. This is a beautiful post for him. I do believe Cody is communicating with him. My cats like to go in the closet and sleep near the boxes of my angels' ashes and I think they know what they are doing. XO

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    1. thank you so much, he was. He wasn't a "people cat" like Cody is though. I sooo agree with you, they know EXACTLY what they are doing! Cody STILL goes into that carrier! xoxo

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  13. Bobo seems like a very special friend! You were both so lucky to have found each other--I indeed agree that Bobo and Cody are communicating! Thanks for sharing your and Bobo's story

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    1. He was and he was actually more than just a friend, he was a piece of my art, another appendage.....that when he left, a gap was left that could never be completely filled. Cody was a HUGE blessing (and still is), I could have never made it through if I hadn't adopted Cody two weeks after Bobo passed. Thank you so much for reading

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  14. Our Little Bits Remembrance Day is in October. We never had a better baby than Little Bit. It's so hard to say goodbye.

    Have a fabulous Remembrance Day. Scritches to the boys and hugs to your wonderful mom. ♥♥♥

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    1. Bobo's is actually July 2nd.........but we always participate in Deb's event ((((hugs))) to you as you remember that precious "Little Bits" xoxo

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  15. Angel Bobo....was indeed a lucky kitty to have been found and loved by you.
    His first months were hard but you made the remainder of his life a joy full of love and devotion which he returned.
    He was your baby for sure
    Hugs madi and mom

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    1. you just made me cry, thank you so much!!! (((hugs))) and love

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  16. Thank you so much for sharing your angel Bobo with us. Sending lots of purrs...

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  17. That's a nice tribute.
    Bobo was THE cat of your life.
    Always so difficult when they leave. Their lifes are too short. Unfair.
    Douce soirée
    Nat à Chat

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    1. thank you so much! You are so right. Cody is right up there with him, but in a different way. For many years it was just Bobo and I, that makes it different to begin with. Cody has Dakota and my husband.........he isn't as attached to me as Bobo was xoxo

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  18. Hugs and love from all of us. This special day always makes my heart hurt.

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    1. Thank you and we send them right back to you!! It makes our hearts hurt too, but not in an awful way (((hugs)))

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  19. Caren, purring for you. Kidney stones are so painful. Bobo will always be your soul cat.

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    1. thanks so much! Hadn't had an attack like this one in YEARS.......thank you so much!!

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  20. Beautiful post. You have so many wonderful memories of your Angel Bobo. Purrs

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    1. thanks so much. yes I was blessed to share so many years with him xoxo

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  21. Hi Caren :) Such a wonderful tribute to your Sweet Bobo.
    So nice to be visiting you again... Missed you much while:)

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    1. Hi Summer!! Soooo good to see you too! Hoping you will be blogging again! Praying all is going well with you!!!! Miss you!!! xoxo

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  22. This is such a stunning post in Bobo's honor. He was such a handsome boy, and so very lucky to have you.

    I still have many of my Angel Rosie's toys and bowls and blankets, all tucked safely away because I don't have the heart to let the other kitties use them. And you know what? Rosie used a pink carrier identical to your Bobo's. I was going to stash it away when I moved to my new house, to keep it in Rosie's memory. Before I could put it away, though, Thimble found it and started taking toys in there and playing in it. Like with your Bobo and Cody, I feel like Thimble knew it was Rosie's carrier and somehow enjoyed it for that very reason. So, it is now the carrier that I use for Thimble as well.

    Purrs and prayers to you as you remember your sweet Angel Bobo.

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    1. oh my thank you!!!!! OMG I LOVE that story about Thimble taking over the carrier!!!! I bet they are communicating! And...at least you had a pink carrier for a girly kitty, not like me.........wait....is Thimble a boy too??? I can't remember!!! Sending you (((hugs))) I know how much you cherished Rosie.

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  23. Caren, I loved and enjoyed and understood each word in this tribute to Angel Bobo. I feel that way about my own babies and there are stored and loved toys from Robin that Bianca aka Admiral did not use, and things from Bianca that Katie has not had to play with. They belong uniquely to the ones who came before and they are imbued with those loved ones being; dander, saliva, furs...and that gives me some of them to still see and love. I have Robin's PTU under the house. I cannot bear to let it go. XXX

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    1. Ohhh how I LOVED this and THANK YOU!! I soooooooooo understand!! xoxoxo

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  24. Beautiful post. We never forget, no matter how much time goes by. So sorry you were in such pain yesterday :(

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  25. I don't know how you move on after the passing of a beloved pet, because I'm pretty much new in the pet game. What a wonderful post.

    Emma and Buster

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  26. What a lovely tribute to BoBo. He definitely was a "heart" cat for you. You were fortunate to have him in your life for such a long time, and he will always be there as long as he is in your heart. Sorry about the kidney stone. Happy the meds helped. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo and Cooper Murphy

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  27. We know how much your Angel Bobo meant to you. Purrs.....

    (We hope you're feeling better soon, too.)

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  28. Beautiful tribute to Bobo. He looked a bit like our Faith but his love for you was like Nicky's for TW. Sending love to you today as you remember him.

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  29. A mighty fine tribute to Bobo, and in a sense keeping the carrier has allowed Cody to carry on where Bobo left off and allow him to move on to fields anew.
    Sending you gentle purrs and hugs
    Erin

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  30. Bobo sounds like a great cat and a great friend. Sending hugs as you remember him.

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  31. This is a truly beautiful remembrance post to your Bobo. I feel like I got to know him seeing his personal items and reading through this.

    I hope you're feeling much better today!

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    1. thank you so much, that was sooo sweet!!! Yes, I am thank you!! but....I am sitting here eating chocolate which is a HUGE "no no" with kidney stones! rut-roh!!! xoxo

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  32. DearCaren,
    I love your posts about Bobo. Each time I read one, I learn more about him and he steals another piece of my heart. Your remembrance of him is poignant and filled with love.
    I send you hugs dear friend,
    Barbie

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  33. Oh awnty Caren, Bobo was very handsum. We know you still miss him and are sendin' hugs and purrs.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Raena

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  34. I understand. I have Kitty's favorite toys hidden away too. I've struggled so much to let her go and failed miserably (she left in May 2007). Then again, the love we shared made me a better person and lives on in the way I love Bear and Ellie. Most remarkably, Bear's filled, and at times overwhelmed, my life with his gloriously excessive personality ... and despite all that, I still miss Kitty. For those that don't understand that you can't replace one cat with another, I use that example.

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    1. I am sooo sorry! (Bobo left in July of 2007) so I know!!! I sooo know! While I ADORE Cody and he helped me in so many ways (coping with Bobo's loss), I will always miss Bobo. When it is Cody's time (which I pray is a LONG time from now), I will miss HIM forever in a completely different way. I remember when I felt guilty when I was adopting Cody so soon after Bobo passed, my Vet said "you aren't replacing Bobo with a new cat, you are making NEW MEMORIES with a new cat" He said that "Bobo would want me to give the same love to a new cat that I gave to him." (((hugs))) and love.

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  35. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful Bobo. I love that painting of him, too. And Caren, I hope you are feeling better!

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  36. <3 what a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing

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  37. Sending lots of huge hugs your way. And POTP as well for that kidney attack to subside.

    Thanks again for sharing all about Bobo. He is so special.

    There are now 5 angel kitties in our furmily...but since I had to be at work, I couldn't make a post about them...


    Our Angels are in our hearts forever, precious and loved forever.

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  38. This is a beautiful memorial to Bobo. I really do think that he and Cody are able to communicate and that is why Cody has taken to sleeping in the carrier.
    After Eric left, Flynn would lie close to his grave. During the times he became really ill I would watch him go out in the garden. He would walk over, sniff Eric's rose that grows on top of his grave and the lay down right on the grave too. I am sure Eric was giving him comfort and strength. It was after these times that he would make his remarkable recoveries.

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    1. Oh Jackie thank you!! I just got chills reading your comment. It is just breaking my heart. Sending you love and (((hugs)))

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